Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta tossed in a flavorful garlic and Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s both nutritious and comforting.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Let it shimmer gently before adding your chicken.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, and place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden.
- Step 4: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and let steam for about 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender.
- Step 7: Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss to coat everything.
- Step 8: Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly sauce.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a saltier, sharper flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese in step 7.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it directly to the skillet in step 6 and cook a bit longer until tender.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne or fusilli are ideal because their ridges hold the sauce well, but any short pasta like rotini or farfalle can also be used.
Print
Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta tossed in a light, flavorful Parmesan sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. It’s a perfect one-pan stovetop meal that’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and satisfying for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheese & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers gently. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until tender and vibrant green.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat in the sauce and cheese.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it lighter.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control spiciness.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or milk when tossing pasta with cheese.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when combined with sauce.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing ensures juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, stovetop chicken pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta dish
